Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Fergus, my 5 yo Irish Wolfhound, was schedule for blood work this morning in anticpation of his third chemo session next week. During the past week I have noticed a swelling on this front left leg. I suspected bad news but I am devasted after the xray results. He has osteosarcoma in this leg too. He has had a rough 2 months between pulled staples, being opened back up again and limited freedom, I thought he was finally due a break. It is not meant to be. We are trying to decide when to set him free as the bone is approx. 50% compromised. My whole family is coming today for the holdiay. So, we will let everyone say their goodbyes and then send him to the Rainbow Bridge either on Saturday or Monday.
When Fergus was diagnosed in September, I promised my college Freshman son I would get him home to say goodbye to Fergus if things became dire. Well, Fergus has been a real trooper and has been snuggling with my son since he got home for the holiday on Saturday. We are going to let him decide if he wants to go with us for a final goodbye on Saturday or if he would rather see Fergus smiling when he leaves on Sunday to return to school.
This is brutally hard. I was hoping and praying with the amputation and the chemo we would get more time. We have made the best of the time we have had though. Fergus (and the monkeybutt brothers Shamus and Rufus), will be getting tons of turkey this holiday.
Thank you to all of you during this difficult journey. You have helped us get through the surgery, recovery and I am sure will help us get through this part of the journey too.
Love,
Tara & Fergus
Oh no. I'm so sad to read this.The news must have been so devastating.
Fergus has such a sweet face. I wish you could have had more time with him. But no amount of time would ever be "enough." I hope you have peace in knowing that you did everything you could for him. It sounds like he's had a wonderful life with you.
We're all here for you. Most of us have been there. It so hard to help your pup to gain his wings, but it is the last unselfish act we can do to help them.
Sending virtual hugs,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh Tara, I'm so sorry....what horrible news. Please know you have our thoughts with you to give you strength. I hope it gives you special comfort that all your family will be with you to make these last few days special. I'm so glad your son is able to spend good snuggle time with him this week. Please hang in there and know we're all here supporting you during this difficult week. xoxo Sue and Sammy
I'm so sorry to read your sad news. It is so, so, hard to say good bye to our sweet furbabies.
You have done so much for Fergus, his fight with OSA hasn't been easy but he has always been surrounded with love. He is very fortunate to have you as his Mom and the rest of your family.
Lots of turkey and his whole family to love him is wonderful.
Sending you all biggest hugs and special pats to Fergus
Joanne & Lylee
xoxoxo
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Tara,
I'm so very sad to read about Fergus. Like Jackie said, there's never enough time with our pups, but it's especially sad when their lives are cut short by this horrible disease.
We'll be thinking of you and sending you lots of Rio loves during this difficult time.
Micki and Rio
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
tara, this is just so very sad to read. you have been on a rough road this whole trip, but know that no one could have done more for fergus, and the love you guys share couldn't be stronger. damn cancer. enjoy your time with him this holiday, and know that his spirit will always be with you. love never ends.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I am tearful reading your entry and admiring Fergus' adorable picture! It is obvious that he is soooooo loved as I'm sure he knows! We'll be thinking of you!
Charlie & Family
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news about Fergus. I'm so sorry he didn't have more time with you, though as others have said, no amount of time could ever be enough. Sending healing thoughts to your family.
Tara,
I am so sorry. I hope this weekend together with Fergus and your family will be full of treasured time and memories. I know it will be hard.
You may have to let the physical part of Fergus go, but he will always be in your heart.
Karen
This is so terrible. Poor Fergus. 
So sorry to hear this awful news. I have been worried that my Valentina may get OS in her other leg also. My vet said that it is very unusual for a dog to have the cancer in another bone and that it usually comes back in one of their organs. I guess that it can indeed happen. It really sucks that this had to happen to Fergus! I'm glad that your son was able to come home to say his goodbyes to Fergus and spend some time with him. Praying for you and your family during this extremely difficult time. I also feel kind of bad because today is Valentina's 5 month ampuversary and even though we are celebrating for Valentina I sincerely sympathize with what you are about to go through. It seemed strange to post about a happy celebration while you are about to lose your wonderful Fergus. I know that I will be in this situation too though. All of us will at some point. But I am glad that we can all be here for each other through the happy and the sad times. 
Wishing you the strength and serenity you need to get through this!
So Sorry to hear this diagnosis!
I'm just so, so, so sad for your situation. What lousy, depressing luck. I don't know you but my heart hurts for you and your pup:(
I believe there is no greater love than the one it takes to make this decision. Cuddle your boy and know he is doggie thankful for the life you gave him. Big hugs from our family to yours!
Tara,
I am so sorry to hear about Fergus. Please know that we are here for you.
Bob, Julie Samson and Lady
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through this so soon. I know how you feel. Smother your boy with love and take lots of pictures together. This last gift is the hardest of all to give, but know that we will be here for you to help in any way possible.
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
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